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Hyderabad police arrest extortionist posing as Caterer

Extortionist Posing As Caterer

HYDERABAD: In a recent development, the Cyber Crime Police of Hyderabad City have apprehended a suspect linked to a series of extortion cases under the guise of caterer. Identified as M. Vunnuru Swamy, son of M. Ganganna, aged 34 and residing in Yousufguda, Hyderabad, with native roots in Ananthapur, the accused has been under investigation for his alleged involvement in multiple instances of stalking and harassment.

The arrest is followed by a complaint lodged on the 6th of April, 2024, by a resident of Secunderabad, who reported a distressing ordeal involving the accused. The complainant recounts engaging with the accused as a catering agent named Venkat, sourced from a Justdial advertisement, to provide services for a reception function at a function hall in Bowenpally. After initially agreeing upon terms with the payable amount as Rs.7150/-, tensions arose when the accused demanded an exorbitant sum of Rs.15000 as final amount, triggering a series of abusive and threatening encounters.

Subsequently, the accused resorted to a disturbing campaign of harassment, exploiting various platforms to defame and intimidate the complainant and their family. This included the creation of a fictitious Facebook profile using the complainant’s wife’s identity, along with the dissemination of false allegations regarding involvement in illicit activities. Further aggravating the situation, Swamy inscribed the personal contact details of the complainant and their spouse in public restrooms of Madhura Nagara and Ameerpet metro stations, perpetuating that they are the numbers of call girls.

As a result, the complainant and his wife received continuous harassment calls and messages in vulgar language, prompting intervention from law enforcement. The accused used to change SIM cards and mobile phones every few days to evade the police. According to records, the accused had used over 30 mobile numbers to commit the offenses. Eventually, under the purview of the Cyber Crime Police, Hyderabad, Case No. 865/2024 was registered and diligently investigated.

Following his arrest, authorities seized crucial evidence including two mobile phones identified as a “VIVO Y22” in Navy Blue and a Google Pixel 3, alongside three SIM cards. The operation was led by Inspector of Police, Sri. K. Saidulu, and a dedicated team comprising several officers under the supervision of ACP B. Chand Basha, Cyber Crime PS, Hyderabad.

This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against cyber-related crimes, emphasising the commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb instances of extortion and harassment within the community.